Butterfly valve assembly and method of making same

ABSTRACT

A butterfly valve assembly and method of making the same are provided wherein such valve assembly has a valve body structure and a closure structure and is provided with a new device for locking, in its closed position, a shaft assembly which is used to operate the closure structure. In accordance with another feature of the invention a new butterfly valve and method of making same are provided wherein such butterfly valve has new heat exchange devices comprising same for controlling the temperature thereof.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of applicants' copending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 549,200, filed Nov. 4, 1983 now U.S. Pat.No. 4,542,763 issued 09/24/85.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a new butterfly valve assembly for controllingfluid flow therethrough, wherein such valve assembly is particularlyadapted to be used on a railway tank car as a bottom operable ladingvalve.

2. Description of Prior Art

It is known in the art to provide a valve assembly for a railway tankcar which is operable from the bottom of such tank car. Examples of sucha valve assembly are disclosed in now U.S. Pat. No. 4,542,763 issued09/24/85 now U.S. Pat. No. 4,518,149 issued 05/21/85. This latterapplication also discloses the use of a butterfly valve assembly. U.S.Pat. Nos. 4,016,907 and 4,394,002 also disclose bottom operablebutterfly valves for railway tank cars.

However, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) and the Departmentof Transportation (DOT) have railway tank car regulations which requirethat projections extending in excess of 1 inch below the bottom of thetank of such a car must be protected by a skid, or if such a projectionis part of a valve assembly associated with the tank car it must becapable of being sheared away without affecting the integrity of suchvalve assembly. In instances where a skid is provided this skid must bein the form of a ramp having a longitudinal dimension along the bottomof the tank which is three times the dimension projecting downwardlyfrom such bottom.

It is important in providing a valve assembly for a tank car such as arailway tank car to provide a valve assembly which will not tend to openduring normal usage thereof and wherein such normal usage includescontinuous and substantial vibration of the valve assembly as itsassociated railway tank car is moved along an associated track. In aneffort to prevent opening of a butterfly valve used on a railway tankcar the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,016,907 discloses a butterflyvalve assembly which has a complex locking mechanism which is providedfor locking the actuating stem assembly used to open and close a closurestructure which comprises such valve assembly.

It will also be appreciated that in many tank cars or other applicationsusing a butterfly valve a highly viscous fluid such as, heavy petroleum,molasses, sulphur, or the like is controlled by such valve. In theseinstances it is desirable and often necessary to heat various portionsof the valve to promote flow of the highly viscous fluid therethroughand/or to assure satisfactory operation of the valve seals. In otherapplications it is desirable to cool such various portions of the valveto assure proper fluid flow therethrough and/or prevent degradation ofvalve components such as valve seals.

It is known in the art to provide heat exchange means for heating and/orcooling selected portions of a valve assembly or components associatedtherewith. For example, the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,394,002discloses provision of spaces in a mounting flange for a butterfly valvewherein such spaces are used to supply steam to the flange for heatingpurposes. Similarly, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 473,555, whichissued into U.S. Pat. No. 4,559,967 on Dec. 24, 1985 discloses abutterfly valve construction which has heat exchange means in the valvebody structure thereof and/or in the closure structure thereof.

The above-mentioned United States now U.S. Pat. No. 4,542,763 issued09/24/85; also teaches a butterfly valve assembly having certain lockingmeans for its closure structure and also teaches various embodiments ofheat exchange devices for heating or cooling such valve assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is one feature of this invention to provide a new butterfly valveassembly which has a valve body structure and a closure structure andsuch valve assembly has a new device for locking in its closed position,a shaft assembly which is used to operate the closure structure.

For example, one embodiment of this invention provides such butterflyvalve assembly which comprises a valve body structure having a fluidflow passage therethrough and first sealing surface means, a closurestructure for controlling fluid flow through the passage with theclosure structure having second sealing surface means adapted to engagethe first sealing surface means to prevent fluid flow through thepassage and define the closed position of the closure structure, shaftmeans fastened to the closure structure and extending through the bodystructure in a fluid-tight relation with the shaft means having acentral longitudinal axis, actuating means for moving the shaft meansand closure structure between the closed position and an open positionthereof, and locking means for locking the shaft means and closurestructure in its closed position. The locking means comprises a lockingmember supported by the body structure and has a slot therein and theactuating means comprises a pivoted lever having a locking end adaptedto be pivoted into the slot once the actuating means is in the closedposition to thereby provide the said locking of said actuating means andhence said shaft means in said closed position.

It is another feature of this invention to provide a new butterfly valveassembly which has new heat exchange devices for controlling thetemperature thereof.

For example, another embodiment of this invention provides suchbutterfly valve assembly which comprises a valve body structure having afluid flow passage therethrough and first sealing surface means, aclosure structure for controlling fluid flow through the passage withthe closure structure having second sealing surface means adapted toengage the first sealing surface means to prevent fluid flow through thepassage and define the closed position of the closure structure, meansfor mounting said body structure on a supporting flange therefor, shaftmeans fastened to the closure structure and extending through said bodystructure in fluid-tight relation, actuating means for moving the shaftmeans and closure structure between the closed position and an openposition thereof, first substantially angular heat exchange means in thebody structure for controlling the temperature of the major portionthereof with the first heat exchange means comprising the outerperiphery of said body structure and having practically the entire valveassembly within the confines thereof, said first heat exchange meanscomprising a pair of arcuate heat exchange devices each having a fluidflow channel adapted to receive a heat transfer fluid therethrough forcontrolling the temperature of the major portion of the body structureand also the temperature of the first sealing surface means with thefirst heat exchange devices having opposite ends in close proximity tosaid shaft means and with each of the heat exchange devices having anundulating innermost surface comprising the body structure and asubstantially semicylindrical outer surface disposed concentricallytherearound with the said surface defining opposed surfaces of itsassociated flow channel, said undulating surface being effective inproviding a turbulent action and more efficient heat transfer throughthe modulating surface to the body structure, second substantiallyannular heat exchange means in the closure structure with the secondheat exchange means being adapted to receive a heat transfer fluidtherethrough for controlling the temperature of the outer portion of theclosure structure and also the temperature of the second sealing surfacemeans thereof, and means providing heat transfer fluid through the firstand second heat exchange means. The means providing heat transfer fluidcomprises a single heat transfer fluid source for both of the arcuateheat exchange devices of said first heat exchange means.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a newbutterfly valve assembly of the character mentioned.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new method of making abutterfly valve assembly of the character mentioned.

Other features, objects, uses and advantages of this invention areapparent from a reading of this description which proceeds withreference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings show present preferred embodiments of thisinvention, in which

FIG. 1 is a view with parts in cross section, parts in elevation, andparts broken away illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the valveassembly of this invention mounted at the bottom of an associated tankcar which is shown and described in this example as a railway tank car;

FIG. 2 is a view taken essentially on the line 2--2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view with parts broken away takenessentially on the line 3--3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a view taken essentially on the line 4--4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken essentially on the line 5--5 ofFIG. 2 and showing the closure structure for the valve assembly in itsclosed position;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 and showing the closure structure inits open position;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken essentially on the line 7--7 ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 1 illustrating another exemplaryembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view similar to the central andlower portions of FIG. 3 particularly illustrating parts of the valveassembly of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 1 illustrating another exemplaryembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a view taken essentially on the line 11--11 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a primarily cross-sectional view with portions broken awaytaken essentially on the line 12--12 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a primarily cross-sectional view with portions broken awaytaken essentially on the line 13--13 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary isometric view particularly illustrating thelocking means at one end of shaft means associated with the butterflyvalve closure structure and such locking means is fully applicable toeach and every embodiment of the valve assembly of this invention;

FIG. 15 is an exploded isometric view of the locking means of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a view of a modification of the valve of this inventionshowing the locking means and actuating means at the same end of theshaft means;

FIG. 17 is a view of another exemplary embodiment of the butterfly valveassembly of this invention oriented in the manner such valve would bemounted at the bottom of an associated tank car yet detached fromassociated mounting flanged therefor; and particularly illustrating anew device for locking, in its closed position, a shaft assembly whichis used to operate the closure structure for such valve assembly;

FIG. 18 is a view taken essentially on the line 18--18 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary view taken essentially on the line 19--19 ofFIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is an exploded isometric view showing the inner end portion of ahandle assembly used to actuate the shaft assembly of FIG. 17 togetherwith associated structure;

FIG. 21 is a view similar to FIG. 2 and drawn to an enlarged scaleillustrating another exemplary embodiment of the valve assembly of thisinvention;

FIG. 22 is a view taken essentially on the line 22--22 of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a view taken essentially on the line 23--23 of FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is a fragmentary view of another exemplary embodiment of a valveassembly which is similar to the valve assembly of FIG. 21 andillustrating only the right end portion thereof to show a modifiedexternal fluid exit passage means;

FIG. 25 is a view taken essentially on the line 25--25 of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a fragmentary view taken essentially on the line 26--26 ofFIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is a fragmentary view taken essentially on the line 27--27 ofFIG. 24;

FIG. 28 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view showing the opposite endportion of shaft means and associated structure comprising the valveassembly of FIG. 24;

FIG. 29 is a view similar to FIG. 21 with the central portion thereofbroken away illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the valveassembly of this invention; and

FIG. 30 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken essentially on theline 30--30 of FIG. 29.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The butterfly valve assembly of this invention has been illustrated anddescribed in connection with FIGS. 1, 8 and 10 as being used as a ladingvalve for a tank which is shown in the form of a railway tank car.However, it is to be understood that the butterfly valve of thisinvention and all modifications thereof are fully usable and applicablein all other applications where butterfly valves of the types disclosedherein may be advantageously used.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1 of the drawings which illustrates afragmentary portion of a railway tank car which is designated generallyby the reference numeral 20 and such railway tank car has afluid-containing tank 21 which is particularly adapted to contain afluid for transportation, usage, and/or storage. The contained fluid maybe any suitable fluid and generally is in the form of a liquid, usuallyunder positive pressure; and, such liquid is designated schematically byreference arrow L. The tank 21 utilizes one exemplary embodiment of thebutterfly valve assembly of this invention and such valve assembly isdesignated generally by the reference numeral 22.

The valve assembly 22, being usable on fluid containing tanks of railwaytank cars, is distinguishable from valves, or the like, commonly used ona so-called railway hopper car. This latter type of car is used tocontain a solid material such as a particulate material, or the like,and each of such hopper cars employs a completely different type ofvalve gate, which is usually not fluid-tight, for emptying such hoppercar.

The tank 21 has a bottom portion 23 provided with a dispensing opening24 which is preferably of circular peripheral outline and such tank hasa butterfly valve supporting flange 25 suitably fixed thereto influid-tight relation as by weld means in the form of a peripherral weld26. The flange 25 has a central opening 27 therein which corresponds insize and peripheral outline to the opening 24 and is disposed in alignedrelation therewith so that fluid L may be dispensed into and out of thetank 21 through the aligned openings 24 and 27 and through the valveassembly 22 once the valve assembly is in the open position. As will beapparent from the drawings the flange 25 has a thickness which isseveral times thicker than the thickness of the wall 21 whereby theinstallation of flange 25 and the valve assembly 22 at the bottom of thetank 21 does not result in a structural weakening of such tank. Theflange 25 has an annular projection 28 extending from its bottom surfacewhich is used for a purpose to be described subsequently.

The valve assembly or valve 22 is particularly adapted to be used tocontrol the flow of the fluid or fluid media L therethrough wherein suchfluid has a tendency, either due to the temperature thereof or due tosuch fluid itself and its constituents, to cause degradation of suchvalve 22 or certain of its components. It will be appreciated thatdegradation due to temperature of the fluid being controlled may causestructural weakness of one or more valve components. Similarly,degradation due to the fluid itself and/or its constituents may resultin a buildup of undesired material on the cooperating sealing surfacemeans or sealing surfaces of the valve 22. The buildup of undesiredmaterial may cause an abrading action during opening and closing of thevalve 22 and subsequent failure of abraded components. In addition, suchbuildup may prevent good sealing between cooperating sealing surfaces ofthe valve and hence premature failure. However, regardless of thedegradation action to which the improved valve 22 of this invention issubjected, such valve provides improved performance for reasons whichwill be apparent from the following description. Further, it should beunderstood that the valve 22 is very similar to the valve disclosed inthe above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,559,967 and the basic disclosure ofsuch patent is incorporated herein by reference thereto. Nevertheless,some of the description of such patent is repeated herein so that thepresent application will be self-contained.

Referring now to FIG. 3 of the drawings it is seen that the valve 22comprises a valve body structure which is designated generally by thereference numeral 31. The body structure 31 has a fluid flow passage 32therethrough and first sealing surface means in the form of a sealingsurface 33 which is provided on a sealing member 34.

The valve 22 also has a closure structure or member in the form of aclosure disc 35, of circular outline, for controlling fluid flow throughthe flow passage 32 and the closure structure or disc 35 has secondsealing surface means in the form of a sealing surface 36 which isadapted to engage the first sealing surface means or sealing surface 33to prevent fluid flow through the passage 32 and thereby shut off fluidflow through the valve 22. The sealing surface 36 is provided in thedisc 35 about the periphery thereof and such disc is mounted for partialrotation or pivotal movement within the passage 32 to open and close thevalve.

The disc 35 is mounted in the body structure 31 employing a pair ofshaft stems 37 which extend radially from a pair of spaced points on thedisc which coincide substantially with a diametral line through thedisc. The stems 37 define shaft means 38 for the valve and the shaftmeans has a central longitudinal axis 39. The stems 37 have their axescoinciding with axis 39 which is common thereto. The stems 37 aredetachably fixed to the disc 35 in a manner to be subsequently describedso that upon rotating at least one of the stems utilizing any suitablemeans the disc 35 is pivotally moved between open and closed positionsdefining corresponding open and closed positions of the valve. The shaftmeans 38 and in particular the stems 37 defining same extend through thebody structure 31 in a fluid-tight relation and as will be describedsubsequently.

The disc 35 is disposed with respect to its axis and hence the commonaxis 39 of the stems 37 so that such disc is eccentric or offset in twomutually perpendicular directions with respect to axis 39 in a mannerwhich is well known in the art of butterfly valves and for purposeswhich are also well known and thus will not be described in detailherein. The two eccentricities, in essence, provide a cam-like action tothe movement of the disc 35 as it is pivoted between fully open andfully closed positions whereby the disc 35 is not subjected to aconstant scrubbing of the valve sealing surfaces and thereby is free ofexcessive disc drag and sealing surface deformation for well knownreasons.

The valve 22 comprises substantially annular heat exchange meansdesignated generally by the reference numerals 40 and 41 (FIGS. 5-6) inthe structures 31 and 35 respectively. Each heat exchange means may bedisposed immediately adjacent the sealing surface means thereof forcontrolling the temperature of at least one of the sealing surfacemeans. The heat exchange means 40 will be described in detail after thefollowing description of the heat exchange means 41.

The heat exchange means 41 is provided in the closure structure or disc35 immediately adjacent sealing surface 36 for controlling thetemperature of such sealing surface and disc. Accordingly, with theclosure structure or disc 35 in any position from fully open to fullyclosed and at all intermediate positions of the disc 35 therebetween theheat exchange means 40 and 41 are capable of providing controlledtemperatures.

Each sealing surface 33 and 36 in this example of the invention is asubstantially annular sealing surface and as will be readily apparentfrom the drawings each annular sealing surface is a substantiallycontinuous sealing surface as well. It will also be appreciated that thesubstantially annular heat exchange means 41 comprises annular conduitmeans 42 for conveying a heat transfer fluid and such conduit meanscomprises a substantially annular groove 43 in the disc 35 and anannular plate 44 fixed in sealed relation over the groove 43.

Referring again to FIG. 1 of the drawings, it is seen that the valvebody structure 31 has means for mounting such body structure 31 onassociated supporting structures therefor. The mounting means in thisexample comprises an annular groove 46 which is adapted to receive theannular projection 28 of flange 25 therein and opening means in the formof openings or bores 47 through the body structure 31. The bores 47 areparticularly adapted to receive threaded bolts 48 therethrough which arethreadedly received in threaded openings 50 in the supporting flange 25to thereby mount or support the body structure 31 and hence the valve 22on such flange 25.

As previously mentioned, the closure structure or disc 35 is suitablypivotally fastened in the body structure 31 utilizing the shaft means 38or stems 37. Further, except for a longitudinal slot (to be describedlater) in one of the stems 37 and actuating means comprising the otherstem 37 such stems are substantially identical and thus each will begiven the same reference numeral 37. In view of this the detaileddescription will now proceed with the description of the left stem andits components, as shown in FIG. 3, with it being understood that suchdescription of the left stem 37 and its components is fully applicableto the right stem 37 of FIG. 3 and its components.

Each stem 37 is disposed in an associated bore means 53 which extendsthrough an associated portion of the body structure 31 and an associatedbore means or bore 54 in an associated portion of the disc 35. Inparticular, it will be seen that each bore 54 is provided in aperipheral part of the disc 35 and such bore and a counterbore 56. Thebore 54 and counterbore 56 are disposed on a common axis coinciding withthe axis 39.

Each bore means 53 in the body structure 31 comprises a bore 57 in anassociated part of the body structure 31 and has a counterbore 60. Thebore 54, counterbore 56, bore 57, and counterbore 60 associated witheach stem 37 have axis which are common with and coincide with the axis39.

Each stem 37 has an inner part 62 which is adapted to be received withinits bore 54 in non-interfering relation with the surface defining suchbore. In addition, each stem 37 has a larger diameter cylindrical outerportion 64 provided with an annular shoulder 71 between its inner part62 and outer portion 64. Each stem 37 also has a pair of bores 65 whichare aligned with a corresponding pair of bores 66 in the disc 35 (FIG.7). The associated bores 65 and 65 receive associated pins 67therethrough and the pins 67, in essence, lock an associated stem 37 tothe disc 35 and thereby prevent rotational movements of the stem as wellas axial movements of such stem relative to the disc 35. The pins 67 maybe sealed at their ends by any suitable means, for example, welding.

To provide a fluid-tight seal between the inner part of each stem 37 andthe disc 35 an annular polymeric sealing ring 68 is disposed in thecounterbore 56 and between the shoulder 71 and disc 35.

As seen in FIG. 7, the valve 22 also has means 70 including packingmeans 72 for providing a fluid-tight seal between each stem 37 and thevalve body structure 31. Each means 70 comprises a plurality of twostuds 76 having inner end portions threaded within the body structure 31and having threaded outer ends 77. Each packing means 72 comprises aplurality of axially stacked so-called chevron packing rings 80 whichare disposed within the counterbore 60, and a follower ring or follower81.

Each follower 81 has an inner end which engages the outermost one of thechevron rings 80 and an outer end which is adapted to be engaged by whatwill be referred to at this point as stop followers 146 and 160 atopposite ends of the shaft means 38. Each stop follower 146 and 160 hasa pair of openings which receive the threaded outer ends 77 of itsassociated studs 76 therethrough and washers 83 are disposed around thethreaded outer portions 77. A pair of threaded nuts 84 are provided andthreaded over the threaded outer portions 77 of the studs 76.

With the above-described components of each means 70 it is a simplematter to prevent any possible leakage of fluid from within the valve 22and axially along an associated stem 37 and hence the shaft means 38.This is achieved by threading associated nuts 84 along the threadedportions 77 of associated studs 76 urging the associated washers 83,stop follower 146 or 160, and follower 81 against associated chevronpacking rings 80. This urging controls the physical deformation of suchrings 80 and thereby the engagement of such rings 80 with their stems 37and adjoining part of the body structure 31, as is known in the art, tothereby prevent any possible leakage from around the outside surface ofsuch stem 37.

In this disclosure of the invention, a sealing member 34 has beenillustrated and described as being carried by the valve body structure31; and, such sealing member 34 is illustrated as being of a particularconfiguration. However, it is to be understood that such sealing membermay be of any suitable configuration which is known in the art andtypical configurations are illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,289,296 thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference thereto.Likewise, the sealing member 34, regardless of its configuration, may bemade of suitable material or materials as known in the art includingmetallic and/or nonmetallic materials.

The member 34 is preferably detachably fixed in position using anysuitable means; and as seen in FIG. 3 of this example a retainer ring 88is used for this purpose. The ring 88 is disposed within a cooperatingsubstantially annular cutout 85 in the body structure 31; and, such ring88 is suitably fixed in position by a plurality of threaded fasteneingscrews 89--FIG. 2.

Having described certain main structural components of the valve 22, thedetailed description will now proceed with a detailed description of thesubstantially annular heat exchange means 41 and for this descriptionreference is again made to FIG. 3 of the drawings. As previouslymentioned, the substantially annular heat exchange means 41 comprisesconduit means 42 in the disc 35 in the form of substantially annulargroove means or a groove 43 and an annular plate 44 which is suitablyfixed in sealed relation over the groove 43 by suitable welds.

The substantially annular heat exchange means 41 in this exemplaryembodiment is provided in the form of annular heat exchange means forcirculating a heat transfer fluid F. Accordingly, means is provided forproviding such heat transfer fluid F to the annular heat exchange means41 and removing same therefrom, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The actualstructural components and means associated with each stem 37 forproviding fluid F to the heat exchange means 41 and removing such fluidF from the heat exchange means are substantially identical. Therefore,the detailed description will proceed with only a description of thecomponents and means for supplying fluid F to the left stem 37 with itbeing understood that the fluid F exits the right stem 37 throughsubstantially identical components and means also communicating with theheat exchange means 41. Actually the flow of heat transfer fluid F maybe reversed, if desired, by providing such fluid into and through theright stem 37, through the substantially annular heat exchange means 41,and out of the left stem 37.

Each stem 37 has an axial bore 90 which extends the major part of theaxial length thereof from an outer surface 91 thereof inwardly andaxially therealong to a location just short of the first bore 65 in theinner portion of such stem 37. A threaded inlet 92 is provided to theaxial bore 90 in each stem 37 for the purpose of threading a connectorof a fluid conduit which is to be placed in fluid communication with thebore 90.

Each stem 37 also has a cross bore 93 (FIG. 3) disposed substantiallyperpendicular to the axis 39 and communicating with the terminal innerend portion of the bore 90; and such cross bore 93 is disposed so thatwith the stem 37 installed in its desired position the cross bore 93 islocated inwardly of the annular seal 68. The cross bore 93 of each stem37 is constructed, arranged, and dimensionally disposed such that itcommunicates with a cooperating cross bore 94 in the closure structureor disc 35. Each cross bore 94 communicates with the inner portion ofthe groove 43.

Thus, heat transfer fluid, such as a suitable heat transfer liquid F, isintroduced under positive pressure into the bore 90 of the left stem andsuch fluid flows through the aligned cross bores 93 and 94 into thegroove 43 defining the substantially annular conduit means 42 of thesubstantially annular heat exchange means 41. Once the heat transferfluid F enters the conduit means 42 it flows in opposed directions asillustrated by arrows 95 and 96 in FIG. 7 whereby such flow is about theentire periphery of the disc 35. The fluid F then flows out of theconduit means 42 and flows through cross bore 94 in the right portion ofthe disc 35, associated aligned cross bore 93 in the right stem 37, andassociated axial bore 90 in such right stem 37. The fluid F then exitsthe right valve stem 37 as illustrated at 97.

The substantially annular heat exchange means 41 is provided withprecise dimensional placement in the outer peripheral portion of thedisc 35 such that heat transfer fluid F is in very close proximity tothe second sealing surface means or the sealing surface 36 of such disc35. This placement of the annular heat exchange means 41 assures precisecontrol of the temperature of the sealing surface means or surface 36 aswell as the temperature of the entire disc 35, stems 37 and componentscontacting the stems 37. Obviously, this is possible because thetemperature, flow rate, and heat transfer characteristics of the fluid Fcan be controlled with great precision and as is known in the art.

With the structure described above, it is possible to control thetemperature of the sealing surface means or sealing surface 36 ininstances where it is desired to cool or heat the sealing surface 36.Accordingly, in those instances where the temperature of the fluid orfluid media L flowing through the valve 22 is such that particles in orof such media tend to accumulate on the sealing surface 36, thetemperature of fluid F is controlled to a higher level causing acontrolled heating of the sealing surface 36. This heating assures thatparticles or portions of the media L will not accumulate on the outersealing surface 36 by, in essence, being heated so as to flow awaytherefrom. In this manner, a smooth fluid-tight sealing action isprovided once the surface 36 engages the sealing surface 33. Thissealing action is also achieved in a non-sticking and non-abradingmanner. For example, in an application where the fluid media L beingcontrolled by the valve 22 contains sulphur there is minimum tendencyfor any of such sulphur to condense or accumulate on the sealing surface36 and cause poor sealing and/or an abrading action.

It will also be appreciated that in many applications the temperature ofthe fluid media L being controlled by the valve 22 is such that it maybe desirable to circulate a substantially cooler fluid F through theannular heat exchange means to cool the sealing surface and valvecomponents to protect the structuraly integrity thereof and/or preventaccumulation of particles from the fluid media thereon.

The above presents a description of the structure defining the heatexchange means 41, the disc 35, stems 37, and associated componentportions. The manner in which these items are made and assembled is wellknown and is basically similar to the description of similar componentspresented in the above-mentioned U.S. patent application Ser. No.473,555.

It will also be appreciated that the installation and placement of thedisc 35 within the body structure are aided by annular disc spacers 100,as shown in FIG. 3. The disc spacers 100 serve to locate the disc 35along the axis 39 yet within the body structure 31 and also serve asthrust bearings for such disc.

To assure that the valve 22 may be operated by rotating either one orboth actuating stems 37 thereof without interfering with the provisionof heat transfer fluid F to and through such valve 22, suitable flexibleconduits, such as braided metal conduits lined with a suitable polymericmaterial, for example, may be connected by suitable connectors (notshown) to the threaded outer portions or ends 92 of the bores 90. Theseflexible conduits are shown schematically by dot-dash lines in FIG. 7and are each designated by the same reference numeral 103.

Having described heat exchange means 41 in the disc 35, and partsassociated therewith, reference is now made to FIGS. 5 through 7 of thedrawings from a detailed description of the heat exchange means 40 inthe body structure 31. As will be readily apparent from the drawings,the heat exchange means 40 comprises the outer periphery of the bodystructure 31 and has practically the entire valve assembly 22 disposedwithin the confines thereof. In particular, it will be seen that theheat exchange means 40 is disposed symmetrically with respect to a planeindicated by dot-dash lines in FIG. 5 and designated by the referencenumeral 105; and such plane substantially bisects the body structure 31.The plane 105 is also disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal fluidflow passage 106 through the valve assembly 22 and such passage has acentral longitudinal axis 107. This disposal of the heat exchange means40 assures that the temperature of the body structure 31 and of thefirst sealing surface means or sealing surface 33 are controlled in anefficient manner.

Referring again to FIG. 7 of the drawings it is seen that the heatexchange means comprises what will be referred to as a pair of arcuateheat exchange devices, each designated by the same reference numeral 120and such devices 120 are disposed on opposite sides of the shaft means38. Each of the arcuate heat exchange devices 120 has its opposite endsin close proximity to the shaft means and as shown at typical locations121, for example. Further, although each heat exchange device 120 mayhave any suitable form it will be seen that in this example each heatexchange device is defined in the form approximating a crescent.

The mounting means for the valve assembly 22 comprises a plurality ofbores 47 in the body structure 31 and such bores are adapted to receivefasteners therethrough. The bores are disposed symmetrically about thecentral longitudinal axis 107 of the flow passage on a common fastenercircle and it will be seen that the arcuate heat exchange devices 120are disposed concentrically with and outwardly of the bores 47.

Each of the arcuate heat exchange devices 120 comprises a fluid flowchannel 122 in the body structure 31 for receiving a heat transfer orheat exchange fluid therethrough; and, such fluid is also designated bythe reference letter F.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6 it is seen that each of the channels 122is defined by a pair of parallel spaced apart planar side surfaces eachdesignated by the same reference numeral 123. The planar side surfaces123 have undulating inner edges 124 and substantially semicircular outeredges 125. Each device 120 also has an undulating innermost surface 126(FIG. 7) which adjoins the undulating inner edges 124 of the sidesurfaces and a substantially semicylindrical band 127 is fixed to thebody structure and adjoins the semicircular outer edges 125 of theplanar side surfaces 123.

Each device 120 also has means providing a fluid inlet for its flowchannel 122; and, in this example such means is in the form of an inletfitting 130 which is suitably welded in position at one end portion ofthe band 127 and such fitting has internal threads for receiving anassociated threaded fitting therein. Each device 120 has means providinga fluid outlet for its fluid flow channel 122 and such means is in theform of a fitting 131 which is also suitably welded in position at theopposite end portion of the band 127. The outlet fitting 131 hasinternal threads therein for receiving an associated threaded fittingtherein. The fittings 130 and 131 enable suitable supply and dischargeconduits to be connected to an associated heat exchange device 120 andin particular to the fluid flow channel 122 of such device 120 forpassage of heat transfer fluid F therethrough. The fittings 130 and 131are welded in position over associated openings or bores in theirassociated band 127 to provide access to and from an associated flowchannel 122.

The valve body structure 31 has the major portion of each channel 122defined therein as an integral part thereof by any suitable means, suchas, by casting or molding techniques. Having thus defined each channel122, it is only necessary to weld a substantially semicircular band inposition thereover in a fluid-tight manner whereby the construction ofthe fluid flow channels 122 is achieved with optimum simplicity.

It will also be appreciated that the scalloped or undulatingconfiguration of the surface 126 enables the provision of valve assembly22 having a substantially light weight. Further the undulating innermostsurface provides a turbulent action to heat transfer fluid flowingthrough the channel 122 thereby providing a scrubbing action and moreefficient heating of the body structure 31 by fluid flowingtherethrough.

Referring again to FIGS. 5 and 6, it is seen that each band 127 iseasily installed in position on the outer portion of the body structure31 due to a pair of cutout ledges 133 which are provided in the bodystructure in a symmetrical manner on the outer portion of the fluid flowchannel 122. Each roughly semicircular band 127 is then installed withits opposite sides nested within cutout ledges 133 and welded inposition in a fluid-tight manner.

As previously described the shaft means 38 has a central longitudinalaxis 39 and actuating means designated generally by the referencenumeral 134 is provided for moving the shaft means 38 and hence theclosure structure or closure disc 35 between the closed position thereofwhich is illustrated in FIG. 5 and an open position thereof which isillustrated in FIG. 6. In accordance with the teachings of thisinvention the valve assembly 22 has improved locking means which isdesignated generally by the reference numeral 135 for locking the shaftmeans 38 and the closure structure or disc 35 in its closed position.

The improved locking means 135 comprises a latch pin 136 which has acentral longitudinal axis 137 and a locking end portion 138 at theterminal end thereof which is adapted to engage the shaft means 38, andin particular a selected stem 37 of such shaft means 38. The lockingmeans 135 and in particular the latch pin 136 thereof provides apositive locking action under all operating conditions including underconditions of severe vibration normally encountered during usage of thevalve assembly 22 in a typical railway application.

As will be readily apparent from FIGS. 3 and 15 of the drawings thelatch pin 136 is disposed with its longitudinal axis 137 coplanar withand transverse to the longitudinal axis 39 of the shaft means 38. Thisarrangement of pin 136 with its locking end portion 138 provides apositive locking action without substantially diminishing the structuralstrength of the shaft means 38 and as will now be explained.

As will be readily apparent from FIG. 3 of the drawing the shaft means38 has a longitudinal slot 141 therein which extends radially inwardlyfrom a cylindrical outside surface thereof and in particular from acylindrical outside surface 139 of its associated stem 37. As shown inFIG. 15 the slot has a controlled axial length 142, a limited depth 143(FIG. 3A) and opposed side surfaces each designated by the samereference numeral 144, which define its width. The slot 141 isparticularly adapted to receive the locking end portion 138 therewithinto provide the positive locking action without the likelihood ofdisengagement even with severe vibration during normal use. The lockingend portion 138 is held in position in a manner now to be described.

The valve assembly 22 also comprises multiple purpose means, designatedgenerally by the reference numeral 145, supporting the pin 136 with itslongitudinal axis 137 coplanar with and perpendicular to the axis 39.The multiple purpose means 145 comprises means in the form of a housingstructure 146 which supports the pin 136 with its longitudinal axis 137coplanar with and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 39.

Urging means in the form of spring means, shown as a mechanicalcompression spring 147, is provided and carried by the supportinghousing 146; and, the spring 147 normally yieldingly urges the pin 136toward the shaft means 38 and the axis 39 thereof such that in itslocked position the pin 136 has the locking end portion 138 thereofdisposed in the slot 141 for engagement by one of the side surfaces 144.The spring 147 engages both the supporting housing 146 and the pin 136,by engaging a collar 150 fixed to the pin 136 adjacent the locking endportion 138. The collar is adapted to engage an inside bottom surface ina bore provided in the supporting housing 146 to limit the extent ofmovement of the pin toward the axis 39.

The locking means 135 also comprises an externally threaded plug-likemember 152 which is threaded within internal threads provided in thesupporting housing 146. The member 152 has an inside bottom surfacewhich is engaged by the compression spring 147 whereby the spring actsbetween the supporting means or housing 146 and the pin 136, i.e.,collar 150 thereof, to urge the locking end portion 138 into its lockedposition.

The threaded member 152 has a central opening or bore therethrough whichis provided with sufficient clearance to allow unobstructed slidingmovement of the outer end portion of the pin 136 such that the pin isconstantly urged and moved axially along its axis 136 by the spring 147in one direction toward axis 39 to provide a locking action. The pin 136has a grasping member or knob 153 (FIGS. 3, 14, and 15) fixed to itsouter end which enables the pin 136 to be moved in an oppositedirection, away from axis 39, to thereby unlock the shaft means 38 andhence the disc 35 and allow opening thereof. The grasping handle or knob153 is adapted to be grasped manually to override the compression spring147 and remove the locking end portion 138 from within the slot 141. Thebore in the member 152 allows unobstructed movement of the pin in eitherdirection, as previously mentioned, and the cylindrical surface definingsuch bore serves as a sleeve bearing for the pin 136.

As readily apparent from FIG. 3 the actuating means 134 for the shaftmeans 38 is adapted to the actuated independently of and at a locationdisposed in spaced relation from the location of the grasping member153. The spaced relation referred to is a distance greater than themaximum dimension of the body structure 31. This arrangement provides asafety feature which prevents inadvertent movement of the closurestructure or disc 35 from its closed position except by a positiveaction to unlock the locking pin 136 and then manually actuate theactuating means 134 and in particular an actuating handle 155 of suchactuating means 134.

As previously explained the closure structure or disc 35 is asubstantially circular closure disc and the shaft means 38 comprises apair of shaft stems 37 which extend radially from a pair of spacedpoints on the disc 35 and such points coincide with a diametral linethrough the disc. It will be seen that one of the stems 37 is adapted tobe engaged by the actuating handle 155 and the other of the stems 37 hasthe slot 141 therein.

The valve assembly 22 comprises packing means between the shaft means 38and the body structure 31 to thereby provide a fluid-tight relationtherebetween. The packing means in this example of the inventioncomprises a pair of substantially identical packing assembliesassociated with the stems 37 whereby each packing assembly will bedesignated generally by the reference numeral 72. It was also previouslymentioned that the valve assembly 22 has multiple purpose means 145comprising housing structure 146 as shown in FIG. 3. The multiplepurpose means 145 and in particular housing 146 thereof has means in theform of a surface portion 157 which engages an associated packing means72 to thereby enable sufficient compression thereof and assure theprovision of the fluid-tight relation. It will also be appreciated thatthe controlled axial length 142 of the slot 141 is sufficiently longthat with the locking end portion 138 of the pin 136 in the slot 141 thesufficient compression of the packing assembly 72 and unobstructedoperation of the pin 136 are assured.

As previously mentioned, means is provided in the shaft means 38 and inparticular in one stem 37 thereof which is adapted to be engaged by theactuating means or actuating handle 155. Although any suitable means maybe provided in stem 37, in this example of the invention such meanscomprises at least one pair of opposed flat surfaces each designated bythe same reference numeral 158 (FIG. 3). The surfaces 158 are adapted tobe engaged by cooperating flat surfaces comprising walls of an openingin the actuating handle 155.

The valve assembly 22 also has means in the form of a member 160 whichis associated with that stem 37 which has the handle 155 thereon. Themember 160 engages its associated packing means 72 to enable compressionthereof and assure provision of the fluid-tight relation between itsassociated stem 37 and the valve body structure 31. The member 160 issuitably held to the body structure by a pair of threaded studs whichare threaded into the body structure 31 and extend through associatedopening in the member 160. Threaded nuts are threaded on the outer endsof the studs and hold the member 160 in position while compressing theassociated packing means 72. This structure is shown at 161 in FIG. 2.It will also be seen that similar threaded studs and threaded nuts areprovided at the opposite end of the shaft means 38 to hold supportinghousing 146 in position, as shown at 162, and while holding itsassociated packing means 72 compressed.

As seen in FIG. 1 the valve assembly 22 has an adapter 164 which extendsbeneath a ramp-like assembly 165 which is fixed to the tank 21 inaccordance with the AAR specifications previously mentioned. The adapter164 is held in position by threaded studs 166, which extend into thevalve body structure 31, and associated threaded nuts 167. The adapter164 has an externally threaded end portion 170 for connecting anassociated conduit or pipe thereto.

As is known in the art, the studs 166 are designed such that adapter 164may be readily sheared away from the remainder of the valve bodystructure 31 without damage thereto. It will also be appreciated thatthe actuating handle 155 is also constructed so that it too may bereadily sheared away and as is known in the art. The handle 155 issimilar to the actuating handle described for the railway tank car valvedisclosed in the above-mentioned U.S. patent application Ser. No.459,462. As described in the application mentioned in this paragraph thehandle 155 has an opening 171 therein as described in such applicationto facilitate shearing thereof. The details of the handle and associatedstructure provided to assure shearing presented in application Ser. No.459,462 are fully applicable to the valve of this invention and thedisclosure of such application is incorporated herein by referencethereto.

Other exemplary embodiments of the valve assembly of this invention areillustrated in FIGS. 8-9 and 10-13. The valve assemblies illustrated inFIGS. 8-9 and 10-13 are similar to the valve assembly 22; therefore,such valve assemblies will be designated generally by the referencenumerals 22A and 22B respectively and certain representative parts ofeach valve assembly which are similar to corresponding parts of thevalve assembly 22 will be designated in the drawings by the samereference numerals as in the valve assembly 22 (whether or not suchrepresentative parts are mentioned in the specification) followed by theassociated letter designation, either A or B, and not described again indetail. Only those component parts of each valve assembly 22A or 22Bwhich are substantially different from corresponding parts of the valveassembly 22 will be designated by a new reference numeral also followedby the associated letter designation and described in detail.

The valve assembly 22A of FIGS. 8-9 is substantially identical to thevalve assembly 22 with the exception that the valve assembly 22A has aunique adapter 164A which extends beneath its associated ramp-likeassembly 165 which, as previously described, is provided in accordancewith AAR specifications. The adapter 164A is held in position bythreaded studs 166A which have threaded inner ends which are threadedinto the valve body structure 31A and have threaded outer ends whichextend through openings in a mounting flange portion 167A of theadapter. Threaded nuts 168A hold the flange 167A and adapter 164A inposition. The adapter has an integral outlet flange 173A which isprovided with spaced openings 174A on a common circumference and theintegral flange 173A and openings 174A are used for connecting anassociated conduit or pipe to the adapter 164A to enable fluid media Lto be moved through the adapter 164A once the valve 22A is opened.

The adapter 164A has means for controlling the temperature thereof tothereby aid fluid flow therethrough and such means for controlling thetemperature will now be described in detail. In particular, it will beseen that the means for controlling the temperature in the adapter 164Acomprises a substantially tubular chamber 175A in such adapter, fluidinlet means 176A for the chamber, and fluid outlet means 177A for suchchamber. The adapter 164A has means, designated schematically by areference arrow 180A, for conveying a heat transfer fluid or liquidunder pressure into the inlet means 176A such that the heat transferfluid flows through the chamber 175A and out of the fluid outlet means177A. As in the case of the fluid F which was previously described asbeing passed or moved through the heat exchange means 40 and 41 of thevalve 22 the heat transfer fluid utilized in association with theadapter 164A is also heat transfer fluid or liquid which is alsodesignated by the reference letter F and presented schematically byarrows F.

The means 180A for conveying the heat transfer fluid F under pressuremay be any suitable pump and conduit system for conveying a heattransfer fluid. In those applications where it is desired to heat theadapter, steam, or the like, may be used. Likewise, in thoseapplications where it is desired to cool the adapter a suitable coolingfluid such as cold water, or the like, may be provided through thechamber 175A.

Having described the overall function of the adapter 164A thedescription will now proceed with a description of the detailedstructure thereof. In particular, the adapter comprises the previouslymentioned mounting or base flange portion 167A which is provided with anannular groove 182A. The groove 182A is adapted to receive an annularprojection 183A which extends from the body structure 31A. The flangeportion 167A has a substantially right circular cylindrical tubularportion 184A suitably fixed thereto as by welding and the outer end ofthe tubular portion 184A has an annular disc 185A fixed thereto. Theinner portion of the adapter 164A also has a frustoconical tubularportion 186A which has a large diameter end thereof fixed to the baseflange 167A and a small diameter end thereof has a small diametertubular member 187A suitably fixed thereto. The tubular portion 187A hasan outside diameter which is smaller than the inside diameter of thetubular portion 184A thereby defining the chamber 175A therebetween. Thetubular portion 186A extends in sealed relation through an opening inthe disc 185A and the mounting flange 173A is fixed to the terminalouter end portion of the tubular portion 187A.

The fluid inlet means 176A provided in the adapter 164A is in the formof a tubular fitting which has an externally threaded outer end and aninner end which is aligned over an associated opening in the member 184Aand suitably welded in position. Similarly, the fluid outlet means 177Ais also in the form of a tubular fitting which has an externallythreaded outer end and an inner end which is suitably welded in positionover an associated opening in the member 184A. With this arrangement itwill be seen that the adapter 164A is a simple structure which enablessuch adapter to be either heated or cooled to thereby promote the flowof fluid media L therethrough in a simple and unobstructed manner. Itshould be noted that the fittings 176A and 177A are at opposite ends ofthe chamber and at positions 180 degrees apart on the cylindricaloutside surface of member 184A to provide flow of fluid through the fulllength of the chamber 175A.

The valve assembly 22A also has an actuating handle 155A which issimilar to the actuating handle 155 of the valve assembly 22. It willalso be noted that the handle 155A has an opening 171A therein which isprovided for the same purpose as opening 171 of handle 155.

The valve assembly 22B of FIGS. 10-13 of the drawings is substantiallyidentical to the valve assembly 22 with the exception that the valveassembly 22B is not provided with annular heat exchange means whichcorrespond to the heat exchange means 40 and 41 of the valve assembly22. Accordingly, it will be seen from FIGS. 12 and 13 that the bodystructure 31B is free of passage means defining annular heat exchangemeans therein. Similarly the disc or structure 35B and its stems 37B arefree of passages and the like. Thus, the valve assembly 22B is free ofheating and/or cooling means therefor and for its seal means.

The body structure 31B of the valve 22B has a scalloped outline 190B asshown in FIG. 11 and such outline 190B extends about substantially itsentire periphery, except where structure is provided for the shaft means38B to extend therethrough. The scalloped or undulating outline 190Bextends across the full width of the valve body structure as will beapparent from the width 192B shown in FIG. 13. The scalloped outline190B results in the valve assembly 22B being comparatively lighter thanthe valve assembly 22. Further, the outwardly projecting parts 193B ofthe scalloped outline have bores 47B therein which receive associatedthreaded bolts 48B for the purpose of mounting the valve assembly 22B inposition in a similar manner as previously described for the valveassembly 22.

The valve assembly 22B also has actuating means 134B at one end of itsshaft means 38B, as shown in FIG. 11, and locking means 135B (also shownin FIG. 12) at the opposite end of such shaft means 38B. The lockingmeans 135B is identical to the previously described locking means 135comprising the valve assembly 22 whereby the previous detaileddescription is fully applicable and will not be repeated for the lockingmeans 135B. As in the case of the valve assembly 22 the locking means135B is disposed on the shaft means 38B at a location which is in spacedrelation and quite remote from the actuating means 134B. Thisarrangement prevents inadvertent release of the locking means andrequires positive action before moving the actuating means 134B.

Having described the above embodiments of the butterfly valve assemblyof this invention it will be seen that in each of these embodiments thelocking means thereof is provided in spaced relation at a remotelocation from the actuating means. Indeed a maximum dimension of thevalve assembly or body structure separates the two. However, it will beappreciated that the locking means need not necessarily be provided atopposite ends or opposite end portions of its shaft means and thepresentation of FIG. 16 of the drawings shows a modification of a valveassembly wherein locking means 135M may be provided at the same end ofthe shaft means 38M as the actuating means 134M, yet in spaced relationand as shown at 195M. This arrangement may be provided on the valveassembly 22, 22A or 22B whereby the fragmentary portion of the valveshown in FIG. 16 is designated 22, 22A, and 22B to indicate this facteven though technically valve 22B does not have passages through itsstems.

Thus, it is seen that the actuating handle 155M of actuating means 134Mis provided closely adjacent the locking means on the shaft means 38M.It will be appreciated that the locking means 135M with all itscomponents is identical to the previously described locking means 135.Likewise, the actuating means 134M and actuating handle 155M areidentical to the previously described actuating means 134 and 155respectively. The only variation that would be required in themodification of FIG. 16 would be that the supporting means 146Mcomprising the locking means 135M now associates with the same stem asthe stem which has the actuating handle 155M thereon. The member 160M isprovided on the opposite stem.

It should also be appreciated that each locking means 135, 135A, 135B,or 135M provides its locking action with minimum weakening of itsassociated shaft means. Yet a positive locking action is alwaysprovided.

Still other exemplary embodiments of the valve assembly of thisinvention are illustrated in FIGS. 17-20, 21-23, 24-28, and 29-30. Thevalve assemblies illustrated in FIGS. 17-20, 21-23, 24-28, and 29-30 aresimilar to the valve assembly 22; therefor, in a similar manner asdescribed in connection with the valve assemblies 22A and 22B, suchvalve assemblies will be designated generally by the reference numerals22C, 22D, 22E, and 22F respectively and representative parts of eachvalve assembly which are similar to corresponding parts of valveassembly 22 will be designated in the drawings by the same referencenumerals as in the valve assembly 22 (whether or not such representativeparts are mentioned in the specification) followed by the associatedletter designation, either C, D, E, or F, and not described again indetail. Only those component parts of each valve assembly 22C, 22D, 22E,and 22F which are substantially different from corresponding parts ofthe valve assembly 22 will be designated by a new reference numeral alsofollowed by the associated letter designation and described in detail.Further, those parts of valve assemblies 22C through 22F not designatedby a new reference numeral and not described in detail or designated byany reference numeral yet which are very similar to parts previouslyshown and described are understood to be covered by the previousdetailed description thereof and their corresponding reference numerals.

The butterfly valve assembly 22C of FIGS. 17-20 is very similar to thevalve assembly 22 shown in FIG. 1 and is shown minus a valve supportingflange which would correspond to the flange 25 of valve assembly 22.

The valve assembly 22C comprises a valve body structure 31C and suchbody structure has a fluid flow passage 32C and first sealing surfacemeans in the form of a sealing surface 33C. The valve 22C also has aclosure structure in the form of a closure disc 35C which has secondsealing surface means in the form of a sealing surface 36C which isadapted to engage the first sealing surface 33C to prevent fluid flowthrough the passage 32C and thereby shut off fluid flow through thevalve 22C.

The disc 35C has shaft means designated generally by the referencenumeral 38C and such shaft means is defined by a pair of shaft stems 37Cfastened to the disc 35C and which extend through the body structure 31Cin fluid-tight relation. The shaft means 38C and hence shaft stems 37Chave a central longitudinal axis 39C.

The valve assembly 22C also has actuating means 134C for moving theshaft means 38C and closure disc between the closed position and openposition thereof. The valve assembly 22C also has locking meansdesignated generally by the reference numeral 135C for locking the shaftmeans 38C and closure structure or disc 35C in its closed position.

As best seen in FIG. 20, the locking means 135C of this exemplaryembodiment comprises a locking member 200C supported by the bodystructure 31C and such locking member 200C has a slot 201C therein. Theactuating means 134C comprises an actuating handle 155C and suchactuating means also comprises a pivoted lever 202C having a locking end203C which is adapted to be pivoted into the slot 201C once theactuating means 134C and hence actuating handle 155C is in its closedposition and such closed position also defines the closed position ofthe valve assembly 22C. Once the locking end 203C is in slot 201C thereis a locking of the actuating means and hence the shaft means 38C in itsclosed position.

The valve assembly 21C also comprises a bracket 204C in the form of aroughly U-shaped bracket and such bracket has a bight 205C and a pair oflegs, each designated by the same reference numeral 206C, extending fromopposite ends of the bight in parallel relation. The legs 206C have apair of extensions 207C extending from the outer ends thereof towardeach other and the bracket 204C is detachably fastened to the bodystructure 31C by detachably fastening the extensions 207C thereto. Aplurality of threaded bolts 210C are used to attach the bracket 204C inposition and such bolts are threadedly fastened within associatedthreaded openings 211C in the body structure 31C.

The bight 205C also has a cutout 212C for receiving one end of the shaftmeans 38C therethrough and the locking member 200C is essentially anannular member having an opening 213C therein for receiving one end ofthe shaft means 38C therethrough. The locking member 200C is fixed tothe bight 205C by any suitable means such as by weld 214C, or the like,as shown in FIG. 19; and, it will be seen that the slot 201C extendssubstantially radially inwardly from the outer periphery of the annularlocking member 200C.

Referring again to FIG. 17 of the drawings, it will be noted that theactuating handle 155C is a manually operable handle and the pivotedlever 202C has a central portion 215C pivotally fastened to the handle155C to enable pivoting of the locking end 203C in and out of the slot201C so that it engages an appropriate surface 216C which partiallydefines such slot 201C to provide a locking action. Although the pivotedlever 202C may be made of any suitable material, and may be of anydesired shape, in this example of the invention such lever is preferablyin the form of a pivoted rectilinear metal rod.

As also seen in FIG. 17, the handle 155C has stop means in the form of apair of stops 217C and 218C. The stops 217C and 218C may be fixed inposition against the handle by welding, or the like, or the handle maybe a single piece construction with the stops 217C and 218C protrudingtherefrom.

The stop 217C serves to stop movement of the handle 155C once the shaftmeans 38C has been moved to the closed position by engaging an inclinedstop edge 220C of the bight 205C which helps define cutout 212C.Similarly, the stop 218C serves to stop movement of the handle 155C oncethe shaft means 38C has been moved to the open position by engaging aninclined stop edge 221C of the bight 205C which helps define theopposite side of cutout 212C.

The valve assembly 22C may also comprise means for holding the pivotedlever 202C with its locking end 203C in the locking slot 201C and suchmeans may be achieved by friction between a pivot pin 223C, lever 202C,and lug means 224C provided on the handle 155C. In addition to or inlieu of the above friction, the means holding the locking end 203C inthe slot 201C may also be in the form of side surface means defined bythe inside facing surfaces of the stops 217C and 218C and such surfacemeans may frictionally engage the pivoted lever 202C once it is pivotedin position within the slot 201C to hold the lever firmly in position.

The valve assembly 22C is similar to the valve assembly 22, aspreviously described, and the valve assembly 22C is used in associationwith a ramp-like assembly 165C which is fixed to an associated railwaytank car by suitable means (not shown) in accordance with the AARspecification previously mentioned. The bottom surface of the assembly165C defines a shear plane.

The handle 155C has weakening means in the form of a weakening cutout226C. The weakening means 226C is provided in the handle 155C such thatwith such handle in its closed position the weakening means 226C isadjacent the shear plane defined by the bottom surface of the ramp-likeassembly 165C whereby in the event shearing forces are applied againstthe outer end portion of the handle 155C in a direction essentiallyparallel to the axis of rotation of such handle 155C, and in particularthe shaft means 38C to which such handle is attached, shearing of thehandle will occur adjacent the weakening means 226C and substantiallycoplanar with such shear plane.

As previously mentioned the pivoted lever 202C is in the form of arectilinear rod and it will be seen that such rod is disposed inwardlyof the weakening means 226C and hence inwardly of the shear planedefined by the bottom surface of the ramp-like assembly 165C. With thisconstruction and arrangement the handle 155C may be readily shearedunder the conditions anticipated without interference by the rod 202C.

Thus, it is seen that the butterfly valve 22C has locking means 135Cwhich provides a positive locking action and yet such locking means issimple to operate.

The butterfly valve assembly 22D of FIGS. 21-23 comprises a valve bodystructure 31D having a fluid flow passage 32D therethrough and firstsealing surface means in the form of a sealing surface 33D. The valveassembly 22D also has a closure structure in the form of a closure disc35D for controlling fluid flow through the passage 32D; and, suchclosure structure 35D has second sealing surface means in the form of asealing surface 36D which is adapted to engage the first sealing surface33D to prevent fluid flow through the passage 32D and valve 22D and thusdefine the closed position of the closure structure 35D.

The valve assembly 22C has suitable means for mounting the bodystructure 31D on a supporting flange therefor and shaft means 38Dfastened to the closure structure or disc 35D and extending through thebody structure 31D in fluid-tight relation. The valve assembly also hasactuating means 134D including an actuating handle 155D and theactuating means 134D is provided for moving the shaft means 38D andclosure disc 35D between its closed position and an open positionthereof.

The valve assembly 22D comprises first substantially annular heatexchange means 40D in the body structure 31D for controlling thetemperature of the major portion of such body structure. The first heatexchange means 40D comprises the outer periphery of the body structure31D and has practically the entire valve assembly 22D within theconfines thereof. Except for certain features to be discussed herein thefirst heat exchange means 40D is substantially identical to the heatexchange means 40 previously described in connection with the valveassembly 22. Nevertheless, certain key portions of the heat exchangemeans 40D will now be further described herein for emphasis.

In particular, it will be seen that the heat exchange means 40Dcomprises a pair of arcuate heat exchange devices each designated by thesame reference numeral 120D and such devices are basically crescentshaped and disposed on opposite sides of the shaft means 38D. Each ofthe heat exchange devices 120D comprises a fluid flow channel 122D inthe body structure 31D for receiving a heat transfer or heat exchangefluid therethrough and such fluid is also designated by the referenceletter F.

Each of the heat exchange devices 120D has its channel 122D defined, inpart, by a pair of parallel spaced apart planar side surfaces, eachdesignated by the same reference numeral 123D (FIG. 23). Each of theheat exchange devices 120D also has an undulating innermost surface 126Dand a substantially semicylindrical outer surface defined by the insidesurface 129D of a semicylindrical band 127D which comprises the valveassembly 22D. Each semicylindrical outer surface 129D is disposedconcentrically around the undulating surface 126D and the surfaces 126Dand semicylindrical outer surface 129D define opposed essentiallyradially spaced apart surfaces of an associated flow channel. Theundulating surface 126D is effective in providing a turbulent action andmore efficient heat transfer through such undulating surface to the bodystructure 31D.

The valve assembly 22D has second substantially annular heat exchangemeans 41D which comprises conduit means 42D in the disc 35D and suchconduit means is in the form of a substantially annular groove means orgroove 43D and an annular plate 44D which is suitably fixed in sealedrelation over the groove 43D by suitable welds. The substantiallyannular heat exchange means 41D is adapted to receive a heat transferfluid F therethrough for controlling the temperature of the outerportion of the closure structure or disc 35D and also the temperature ofthe sealing surface means or sealing surface 36D of such disc.

As seen in FIG. 21, the valve 22D has a single heat transfer fluidsource, indicated generally at 230D, for both of its arcuate heatexchange devices 120D of its first heat exchange means 40D.

The valve assembly 22D has means providing heat transfer fluid throughthe first and second heat exchange means 40D and 41D respectively and inthis exemplary embodiment of the invention such means comprises a soleinlet connection 232D. The sole inlet connection may be provided withheat transfer fluid F from any suitable supply known in the art and suchsupply is indicated schematically by a rectangular figure 233D. The soleinlet connection 232D is provided at one end of the valve assembly 22Dand serves as the sole inlet for heat transfer fluid F to the secondheat exchange means 41D and to the single heat transfer fluid source230D.

The means providing heat transfer fluid F also comprises a sole outletconnection 234D for heat transfer fluid F exiting the valve assembly 22Dand as shown in FIG. 22. In this example of the invention, the soleoutlet connection 234D is at the same end of the valve assembly 22D asthe sole inlet connection 232D and as shown at 235D in FIG. 22.

Referring again to FIG. 21 of the drawings it will be seen that thesingle heat transfer fluid source 230D for both of the arcuate heatexchange devices 120D comprises first fluid bore means 236D in endportion of the body structure 31D opposite from the same end mentionedabove and shown at 235D. The first fluid bore means 236D comprises aplurality of cooperating bores in fluid flow communication with theaxial bore 90D of an associated stem 37D comprising the shaft means 38D.The bore means 236D is in fluid flow communication with heat transferfluid F exiting the heat exchange means 41D and with the arrangement ofvalve assembly 2D such bore means is such that heat transfer fluid Fflows first in one direction through the valve assembly 22D, i.e., tothe left as shown in FIG. 21, and then in a diametrically oppositedirection, i.e., to the right as shown in FIG. 21; whereby fluid Fenters and exits the valve assembly 22D at the same end.

The fluid F exiting the heat exchange means 41D, in essence, splits oris separated into two paths shown as paths 240D and 241D in FIG. 21. Thefluid F in each path 240D or 241D flows along the undulating surface126D of its associated arcuate heat exchange device 120D providingimproved heat transfer through such surface 126D to the body structure31D. The fluid F from both paths 240D and 241D is then combined at thefluid outlet connection 234D.

As also seen in FIG. 21 the fluid bore means 230D is provided in theleft hand portion of the body structure 31D. The bore means 230Dcomprises a pair of transverse bores 242D in the left stem 37D whichcommunicates with the axial bore 90D of such stem. The bore means 230Dalso comprises a pair of bores 243D in the body structure 31D andannular passage and seal means 244D between each set of bores 242D-243D.In this manner each bore 242D communicates with an associated bore 243Dand heat transfer fluid F is provided to an associated heat exchangedevice 120D and along path 240D or 241D as the case may be. Each annularpassage and seal means 244D may be of any suitable type known in the artwhich is capable of providing fluid F from a bore 242D in the rotatablestem 37D to an associated bore 243D.

Referring now to FIG. 23 of the drawings, it will be seen that the meansproviding heat transfer fluid through the first and second heat exchangemeans 40D and 41D respectively also comprises a pair of convergingbores, each designated by the same reference numeral 245D, in the bodystructure 31D. Each of the converging bores 245D has its inlet end influid flow communication with an associated arcuate heat exchange device120D and each bore 245D has its opposite or outlet end in fluid flowcommunication with the sole outlet connection 234D. The connection 234Dof this example comprises an outlet fitting which is fixed in fluidtight relation to the body structure 31D by any suitable means, such asa weld, and such outlet fitting is an internally threaded pipe fitting.

Thus, the valve assembly 22D has a single inlet connection for heattransfer fluid F and a single outlet connection for such fluid, both atthe same end of the valve assembly 22D. The heat transfer fluid F flowsinto the valve assembly 22D, then flows through the heat exchange means41D to the outlet end of such heat exchange means, then enters the inletportion of the heat exchange means 40D, and finally then flows in acounterflow direction to the flow of fluid through the heat exchangemeans 41D before it exits the valve assembly 22D through the outletconnection 234D.

The valve assembly 22E illustrated in FIGS. 24-28 has a sole inletconnection 232E for receiving heat transfer fluid F and the flow offluid through the heat exchange means 40E and 41E is identical to theflow of fluid through the heat exchange means 40D and 41D of the valveassembly 22D. However, the main difference is in the provision ofexternal conduit means for receiving the fluid F exiting the heatexchange devices 120E; and, such external conduit means is designatedgenerally by the reference numeral 246E. The conduit means 246E hasinlet means 247E in fluid flow communication with each arcuate heatexchange device 120E and outlet means in fluid flow communication withthe sole outlet connection which in this example is disposed in spacedrelation from body structure 31E and is also designated by the referencenumeral 234E to correspond to the designation of the outlet connection234D of the valve assembly 22D.

As seen typically in FIG. 27, each inlet means 247E comprises adischarge bore 248E in the body structure 31E and each discharge bore248E is in fluid flow communication with an associated arcuate heatexchange device 120E while extending perpendicularly through anassociated outside surface 251E of the body structure 31E.

The conduit means 246E is, in essence, a pipe system also referred to aspipe system 246E and such pipe system comprises cooperating pipes 252E,fittings 253E, and connectors 254E connected between the perpendiculardischarge bores 248E and the sole outlet connection 234E. The pipes 252Ewill be designated by the reference numeral 252E regardless of thelength thereof, the fittings will be designated by the reference numeral253E regardless of their placement and location, and the connectors willbe designated by the reference numeral 254E regardless of theirplacement or configuration.

Thus, it is seen that the valve assembly 22E, in essence, provides forthe same pattern of fluid flow of heat transfer fluid F therethrough asthe valve assembly 22D with the exception that the fluid F instead ofexiting the arcuate heat exchange devices through internal convergingbores which communicate with a sole outlet fitting exits the arcuateheat exchange devices 120E through an external conduit means or externalpipe system 246E.

The valve assembly 22F of FIGS. 29-30 comprises a first external inletconnection 256F, i.e., external of the body structure 31E, which definesthe single heat transfer fluid source 230F for the arcuate heat exchangedevices 120F of the heat exchange means 40F and a second inletconnection 257F for receiving heat transfer fluid F for the second heatexchange means 41F.

The means providing heat transfer fluid F also comprises a third outletconnection 260F for receiving heat transfer fluid F from the arcuateheat exchange devices 120F of heat exchange means 40F and a fourthoutlet connection 261F for receiving heat transfer fluid F from thesecond heat exchange means 41F.

The means providing heat transfer fluid F comprises first conduit means262F having inlet means in fluid flow communication with the first inletconnection 256F and outlet means in flow communication with the arcuateheat exchange devices 120F. The first inlet conduit means 262F issimilar to the outlet conduit means 246E of the valve 22E and thus willnot be described in detail. However, it will be seen that such conduitmeans 262F comprises a first pipe system disposed substantiallyexternally of the body structure 31F.

The means providing heat transfer fluid also comprises second conduitmeans 246F substantially identical to the conduit means 246E of thevalve assembly 22E. The conduit means 246F comprises a pipe system alsodesignated by the reference numeral 246F disposed substantiallyexternally of the body structure 31F.

As will be apparent from FIG. 29, each of the inlet means in flowcommunication with an associated arcuate heat exchange device 120F isdefined by an inlet bore 263F in structure 31F and each outlet means isdefined by an associated outlet bore 264F in such body structure 31F.Each of the bores 263F and 264F extends perpendicularly through anassociated outside surface 265F, as seen in FIG. 30, of the bodystructure 31F.

Each of the first and second pipe systems 262F and 246F comprisescooperating pipes 252F, fittings 253F, and connectors 254F which in eachinstance are substantially identical to the pipes and connectorspreviously described and comprising the conduit means or pipe system246E of the valve assembly 22E. Such pipes, fittings, and connectorswill not be further described with the understanding that thedescription previously made for such components of the pipe systems 246Eis fully applicable for the external outlet pipe system 246F of thevalve assembly 22F as well as the external inlet pipe system 262F of thevalve assembly 22F.

Thus, it is seen that the valve assembly 22F has two independent systemsfor providing heat transfer fluid F therethrough. The first system whichhas inlet connection 257F and outlet connection 261F provides heattransfer fluid through the heat exchange means 41F. The second systemwhich has inlet connection 256F and outlet connection 260F provides heattransfer fluid through the heat exchange means 40F. This second systemis basically an external conduit system comprised of cooperating pipes,fittings, and connectors suitably connected together and to and from thearcuate heat exchange devices 120F.

The means providing heat transfer fluid F through the first and secondheat exchange means of the valve assemblies 22D, 22E, and 22F aredifferent from the means providing such heat transfer fluid through thefirst and second heat exchange means of the valve assembly 22, forexample. In particular, it will be seen that in the valve assembly 22heat transfer fluid is provided for the heat exchange means 41 throughan inlet flexible conduit 103 and an outlet flexible conduit alsodesignated by the reference numeral 103. However, the fluid through theheat exchange means 40 and in particular the arcuate heat exchangedevices 120 is provided by a separate external inlet for each arcuateheat exchange device 120 and a separate outlet. Accordingly, in valveassembly 22 fluid F is supplied through three inlets thereto and suchfluid exits from three outlets from such valve assembly 22.

Thus, it is seen that in accordance with the teachings of this inventiona unique butterfly valve assembly and method of making same areprovided. The butterfly valve assembly of this invention may be used innumerous applications. However, it is particularly adapted to be used asa lading valve for a railway tank car.

Each exemplary valve presented herein preferably uses a fluid F forheating and/or cooling of its associated body structure and its valveclosure structure. Further, in each instance locking means which may besubstantially identical to any one of the disclosed locking means wouldbe provided.

Each exemplary butterfly valve disclosed herein may utilize a fluid Fwhich is either a liquid, a gas, or mixture of liquid and gas for thepurpose of providing controlled heating or cooling of its associatedsealing surface means or sealing surface and valve parts. In certainapplications steam is preferred for heating purposes.

The fluid F circulated through each valve of this invention may beprovided from any suitable source or sources (not shown) and preferablyunder pressure using a suitable pump, or the like. The fluid F in valveassembly 22 may be provided to the left stem as shown in FIG. 7 and isdischarged out of the right stem. Likewise, the fluid F for the bodystructure flows from left to right.

The flow of fluid F in each valve assembly may be controlled intemperature using any suitable means for controlling the temperature ofsuch fluid as is known in the art; and, the fluid F may be heated to acontrolled temperature or cooled to a controlled temperature dependingon the application.

Each valve disclosed herein may be actuated by rotating or pivoting astem thereof as is known in the art. Further, it may also be desirableto provide stops, or the like, (not shown in all instances) for limitingrotation of each stem and hence each disclosed valve disc.

The various seals, packing rings, and the like used in each embodimentof the valve of this invention may be made of suitable materials knownin the art provided that such materials are compatible with theconstruction of each associated valve, the temperature of theenvironment of each valve, and the temperature of the media L beingcontrolled by each valve.

In this disclosure of the invention use has been made of terms such asright, left, inner, outer, and the like. However, it is to be understoodthat these terms are used to describe various valve components asillustrated in the drawings and such terms are not to be consideredlimiting in any way.

While the forms and methods of this invention now preferred have beenillustrated and described as required by the Patent Statute, it is to beunderstood that other forms and method steps can be utilized and stillfall within the scope of the appended claims wherein each claim setsforth what is believed to be known in each claim prior to this inventionin the portion of each claim that is disposed before the terms "theimprovement" and sets forth what is believed to be new in each claimaccording to this invention in the portion of each claim that isdisposed after the terms "the improvement" whereby it is believed thateach claim sets forth a novel, useful and unobvious invention within thepurview of the Patent Statute.

What is claimed is:
 1. In a butterfly valve assembly comprising a valvebody structure having a fluid flow passage therethrough and firstsealing surface means, a closure structure for controlling fluid flowthrough said passage, said closure structure having second sealingsurface means adapted to engage said first sealing surface means toprevent fluid flow through said passage and define the closed positionof said closure structure, means for mounting said body structure on asupporting flange therefor, shaft means fastened to said closurestructure and extending through said body structure in fluid-tightrelation, actuating means for moving said shaft means and closurestructure between said closed position and an open position thereof,first substantially annular heat exchange means in said body structurefor controlling the temperature of a major portion of said bodystructure, said first heat exchange means comprising the outer peripheryof said body structure and having practically the entire valve assemblywithin the confines thereof, said first heat exchange means comprising apair of arcuate heat exchange devices each having a separate fluid flowchannel adapted to receive a heat transfer fluid therethrough, said pairof arcuate heat exchange devices serving to control said temperature ofsaid major portion of said body structure and also the temperature ofsaid first sealing surface means, said first heat exchange deviceshaving opposite ends in close proximity to said shaft means, each ofsaid heat exchange devices having an undulating innermost surfacecomprising said body structure and a substantially semicylindrical outersurface disposed concentrically therearound with said innermost andouter surfaces of each heat exchange device defining opposed surfaces ofits associated flow channel, each of said undulating surfaces beingeffective in providing a turbulent action and more efficient heattransfer therethrough to said body structure, second substantiallyannular heat exchange means in said closure structure, said second heatexchange means being adapted to receive a heat transfer fluidtherethrough for controlling the temperature of the outer portion ofsaid closure structure and also the temperature of said second sealingsurface means thereof, and means providing heat transfer fluid throughsaid first and second heat exchange means, the improvement wherein saidmeans providing heat transfer fluid comprises a single heat transferfluid source for both of said arcuate heat exchange devices of saidfirst heat exchange means.
 2. In a butterfly valve assembly comprising avalve body structure having a fluid flow passage therethrough and firstsealing surface means, a closure structure for controlling fluid flowthrough said passage, said closure structure having second sealingsurface means adapted to engage said first sealing surface means toprevent fluid flow through said passage and define the closed positionof said closure structure, means for mounting said body structure on asupporting flange therefor, shaft means fastened to said closurestructure and extending through said body structure in fluid-tightrelation, actuating means for moving said shaft means and closurestructure between said closed position and an open position thereof,first substantially annular heat exchange means in said body structurefor controlling the temperature of a major portion of said bodystructure, said first heat exchange means comprising the outer peripheryof said body structure and having practically the entire valve assemblywithin the confines thereof, said first heat exchange means comprising apair of arcuate heat exchange devices each having a separate fluid flowchannel adapted to receive a heat transfer fluid therethrough, said pairof arcuate heat exchange devices serving to control said temperature ofsaid major portion of said body structure and also the temperature ofsaid first sealing surface means, said first heat exchange deviceshaving opposite ends in close proximity to said shaft means, each ofsaid heat exchange devices having an undulating innermost surfacecomprising said body structure and a substantially semicylindrical outersurface disposed concentrically therearound with said innermost andouter surfaces of each heat exchange device defining opposed surfaces ofits associated flow channel, each of said undulating surfaces beingeffective in providing a turbulent action and more efficient heattransfer therethrough to said body structure, second substantiallyannular heat exchange means in said closure structure, said second heatexchange means being adapted to receive a heat transfer fluidtherethrough for controlling the temperature of the outer portion ofsaid closure structure and also the temperature of said second sealingsurface means thereof, and means providing heat transfer fluid throughsaid first and second heat exchange means, the improvement wherein saidmeans providing heat transfer fluid comprises a single heat transferfluid source for both of said arcuate heat exchange devices of saidfirst heat exchange means, and said means providing heat transfer fluidfurther comprises a sole inlet connection for heat transfer fluid at oneend of said valve assembly, said sole inlet connection serving as thesole inlet for heat transfer fluid to said second heat exchange meansand to said single heat transfer fluid source.
 3. A valve assembly asset forth in claim 2 in which said means providing heat transfer fluidcomprises a sole outlet connection for heat transfer fluid exiting saidvalve assembly.
 4. A valve assembly as set forth in claim 3 in whichsaid sole outlet connection is at the same end of said valve assembly assaid sole inlet connection.
 5. A valve assembly as set forth in claim 4in which said single heat transfer fluid source for both of said arcuateheat exchange devices comprises first fluid bore means in the endportion of said body structure opposite from said same end, said firstfluid bore means being in flow communication with heat transfer fluidexiting said second heat exchange means so that said heat transfer fluidflows first in one direction through said valve assembly and then in adiametrically opposite direction entering and exiting said valveassembly at said same end.
 6. A valve assembly as set forth in claim 3in which said means providing heat transfer fluid comprises a pair ofconverging bores in said body structure, each of said converging boresbeing in flow communication at one end with an associated arcuate heatexchange device and at its opposite end with said sole outletconnection.
 7. A valve assembly as set forth in claim 6 in which saidsole outlet connection comprises an outlet fitting fixed in fluid-tightrelation to said body structure.
 8. A valve assembly as set forth inclaim 3 in which said means providing heat transfer fluid furthercomprises external conduit means having inlet means in flowcommunication with said arcuate heat exchange devices and outlet meansin flow communication with said sole outlet connection.
 9. A valveassembly as set forth in claim 8 in which said inlet means comprises apair of discharge bores in said body structure, each of said dischargebores being in flow communication with an associated arcuate heatexchange device while extending perpendicularly through an associatedoutside surface of said body structure.
 10. A valve assembly as setforth in claim 9 in which said external conduit means comprises a pipesystem disposed externally of said body structure.
 11. A valve assemblyas set forth in claim 10 in which said pipe system comprises cooperatingpipes, fittings, and connectors connected between said perpendiculardischarge bores and said sole outlet connection.
 12. A valve assembly asset forth in claim 2 in which said means providing heat transfer fluidcomprises a first external inlet connection which defines said singleheat transfer fluid source and a second inlet connection for receivingheat transfer fluid for said second heat exchange means.
 13. A valveassembly as set forth in claim 12 in which said means providing heattransfer fluid comprises a third external outlet connection forreceiving heat transfer fluid from said arcuate heat exchange devicesand a fourth outlet connection for receiving heat transfer fluid fromsaid second heat exchange means.
 14. A valve assembly as set forth inclaim 13 in which said means providing heat transfer fluid comprisesfirst conduit means having inlet means in flow communication with saidfirst external inlet connection and outlet means in flow communicationwith said arcuate heat exchange devices.
 15. A valve assembly as setforth in claim 14 in which said means providing heat transfer fluidcomprises second conduit means having inlet means in flow communicationwith said arcuate heat exchange devices and outlet means in flowcommunication with said third outlet connection.
 16. A valve assembly asset forth in claim 15 in which each of said inlet means and outlet meansin flow communication with an associated arcuate heat exchange device isdefined by an inlet bore and an outlet bore respectively in said bodystructure with each of said inlet bore and outlet bore extendingperpendicularly through an associated outside surface of said bodystructure.
 17. A valve assembly as set forth in claim 16 in which saidfirst and second conduit means comprises a first and a second pipesystem respectively disposed externally of said body structure.
 18. Avalve assembly as set forth in claim 17 in which each of said first andsecond pipe systems comprises cooperating pipes, fittings, andconnectors.
 19. In a method of making a butterfly valve assemblycomprising the steps of, providing a valve body structure having a fluidflow passage therethrough and first sealing surface means, providing aclosure structure for controlling fluid flow through said passage, saidclosure structure having second sealing surface means adapted to engagesaid first sealing surface means to prevent fluid flow through saidpassage and define the closed position of said closure structure,providing means for mounting said body structure on a supporting flangetherefor, fastening shaft means to said closure structure and extendingsaid shaft means through said body structure in fluid-tight relation,providing actuating means for moving said shaft means and closurestructure between said closed position and an open position thereof,providing first substantially annular heat exchange means in said bodystructure for controlling the temperature of a major portion of saidbody structure, said first heat exchange means comprising the outerperiphery of said body structure and having practically the entire valveassembly within the confines thereof, said first heat exchange meanscomprising a pair of arcuate heat exchange devices each having aseparate fluid flow channel adapted to receive a heat transfer fluidtherethrough, said pair of arcuate heat exchange devices serving tocontrol said temperature of said major portion of said body structureand also the temperature of said first sealing surface means, said firstheat exchange devices having opposite ends in close proximity to saidshaft means, each of said heat exchange devices having an undulatinginnermost surface comprising said body structure and a substantiallysemicylindrical outer surface disposed concentrically therearound withsaid innermost and outer surfaces of each heat exchange device definingopposed surfaces of its associated flow channel, each of said undulatingsurfaces being effective in providing a turbulent action and moreefficient heat transfer therethrough to said body structure, providingsecond substantially annular heat exchange means in said closurestructure, said second heat exchange means being adapted to receive aheat transfer fluid therethrough for controlling the temperature of theouter portion of said closure structure and also the temperature of saidsecond sealing surface means thereof, and providing means which provideheat transfer fluid through said first and second heat exchange means,the improvement wherein said step of providing means which provide heattransfer fluid comprises the step of providing a single heat transferfluid source for both of said arcuate heat exchange devices of saidfirst heat exchange means.